I Applied My SPF Incorrectly…Until a Dermatologist Told Me This
The importance of wearing SPF is well documented. It’s the nonnegotiable product that all experts agree should be worn every day, rain or shine, to protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. In turn, it helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and slow down the signs of aging. “We can prevent up to 80% of skin aging by using daily sunscreen correctly, all year round,” says Dr. Sam Bunting. “That’s a lot to play for.”
But are you wearing it correctly? Many dermatologists say we are missing the mark when it comes to proper application. Even as a beauty editor, I spent many years of my life smearing just one pump of SPF onto my face, and I rarely applied it beneath the jawline. That is until I learned a clever method for foolproof application.
The 21 Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF to Wear All Day, Everyday
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
$53.00, Nordstrom
$48.00, Sephora
$37.00, Sephora
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF
$49.00, Dermstore
Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
$.00, Sephora
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
$32.00, Revolve
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer
$32.00, Ulta
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
$36.00, Sephora
Maybelline New York Dream BB Fresh Cream
$11.00, Target
Neutrogena Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30
$18.00, Target
AziMD Skincare HydraTint BB SPF 44
$55.00, AziMD Skincare
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
$42.00, Sephora
Hermes Plein Air Complexion Balm SPF 30
$90.00, Bloomingdales
Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Age-Defying Tinted Moisturizer
$80.00, Dermstore
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
$46.00, Sephora
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
$47.00, Ulta
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25
$41.00, Ulta
Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40
$50.00, Dermstore
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
$52.00, Sephora
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane
$42.00, Sephora
DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46
$45.00, Walmart
“You need a quarter of a teaspoon (or 1.25 ml) of sunscreen for the face and the same again for the neck,” Dr. Bunting explains. “Or, you can use the two-finger—your index and middle fingers—rule for ease. I recommend people use the 13-dot technique to ensure you cover the skin evenly, without missing bits out. Just like painting a wall, you want (and need) an even layer.” This technique couldn’t be easier: Simply dot 13 fingerprints of SPF across the face, then rub it in.
It’s a great way to feel confident that you are fully protected from the sun, and not underdoing it on the good stuff. It’s also worth noting that the dose you must use to get the protection promised on the packaging is the same for all sunscreens, so even if you’re wearing a higher factor, it doesn’t mean you should reduce the amount you’re applying—stick to the same technique.
23 Best Tinted Sunscreen That Gives the Best of Both Worlds
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF
$49.00, Dermstore
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
$43.00, Dermstore
Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF46
$28.00, Amazon
Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
$38.00, Sephora
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
$32.00, Sephora
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer
$32.00, Ulta
Best for Dewy Finish: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
$36.00, Sephora
Best for Discoloration: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
$42.00, Dermstore
Best for Full Coverage: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30
$49.00, Sephora
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30
$20.00, Target
Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint
$17.00, Ulta
Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
$64.00, Alastin
Best Overall: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Tinted Sunscreen
$63.00, SkinStore
Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Age-Defying Tinted Moisturizer
$48.00, Dermstore
Best for Light Coverage: GloSkin C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30
$50.00, Dermstore
$62.00, Sephora
Biggest Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
$48.00, Sephora
Best for Oily Skin: Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50
$18.00, Amazon
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 30
$22.00, Target
Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen
$40.00, Sephora
Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
$21.00, Sephora
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
$39.00, Ulta
Best for Anti-Aging: Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
$37.00, Sephora
According to Dr. Bunting, another common mistake is missing key areas, such as the hairline, eyelid, and ears. Not to mention neglecting to reapply. “No sunscreen provides reliable protection after two hours, so you do need to reapply regularly,” she says. “I recommend using tinted sunscreen in summer, which does double duty as your base, making it easier to reapply throughout the day since you won’t disturb a layer of foundation.”
5 excellent new SPFs to try now
Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen
$40.00, Sephora
Dr. Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50
$40.00, Dr. Sam Bunting
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF50+ for Oily Blemish-Prone Skin
$32.00, Walmart
L’Oréal Revitalift Clinical SPF50+ Invisible Fluid
$26.00, Target
$30.00, LookFantastic
This story originally appeared on British Vogue.
Originally Appeared on Glamour